To minimize load on a free-end saddle partial denture, what type of teeth should be used?

Using teeth with a narrow buccal-lingual dimension in a free-end saddle partial denture helps minimize load effectively. A narrower tooth design distributes the occlusal forces more evenly across the remaining oral structures, reducing the stress on the supporting teeth and soft tissues. This is particularly crucial for a free-end saddle, where there is limited support, as a narrower tooth allows for better alignment and less torque on the abutment teeth.

In contrast, broader teeth might exert greater leverage on the supporting structures, risking failure of the partial denture or discomfort for the patient. Longer roots are beneficial for stability but do not directly address the issue of load distribution on the saddle. Additionally, wider occlusal surfaces can increase the overall surface area that the denture relies upon, which might lead to an unfavorable distribution of forces. Therefore, using teeth with narrow buccal-lingual dimensions is the most effective choice when aiming to minimize load on a free-end saddle partial denture.